AGING AMERICANS: SEARCHING FOR HELP

Editor's Note: This is the second of a five-part series examining the issues facing Missouri's growing elderly population.

When Sue Ballsamo reached the front step to Helen Sheets' house, Sheets opened the door with a smile and invited her inside.

Ballsamo and Sheets greeted one another like old friends, although the two women see each other infrequently.

Ballsamo and other church members deliver Meals on Wheels two weeks out of the year. Sheets was the fourth stop on Ballsamo's route.

Like many older people, Sheets needed some assistance with her daily activities after suffering a stroke nearly two years ago.

After the stroke, "she came back on her own, but initially we knew she needed some help," said her son Bob.

Meals on Wheels was the perfect solution to the Sheets' problem.

"We knew about the program because when it first started, she and my father used to carry the meals to other folks," Bob Sheets said.

Meals on Wheels began in 1974 serving only 10 people and has grown so large now that there is a waiting list.

The meals, which cost $2, are delivered weekdays, with the exception of holidays. Delivery begins at 11, and most routes are completed by noon.

Sheets enjoys her meals from the Meals on Wheels program. "It's a good meal," she said. "I usually have something that I can pull out of the freezer for myself, but it makes it easier for a noon meal."

Nearly 100 people in Cape Girardeau participate in the Meals on Wheels program run by Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary and local church volunteers.

"The majority of people need some kind of assistance and need help to take care of themselves," said Nancy Bray, who oversees the program at the hospital.

But not all people who receive the meals are elderly, Bray added. "You don't have to be older to get on the list. Sometimes it's people who have had surgery or an illness and get their meals while they are at home recovering."

However, all are referred by a doctor.

"Some people are sick and some are marginal," Ballsamo said. "But they really look forward to getting the meal and the visit."

Bob Sheets agreed. His mother likes the regular visits from the volunteers.

"I think she really enjoys getting the meal and getting to talk to somebody," he said.

It takes 14 volunteers to deliver the meals across town. Drivers take the same route each day.

"People are in need of the service and need doesn't always equate with monetary income," Ballsamo said.

Many elderly residents in Southeast Missouri are in need of some help, whether it's receiving a hot meal at noon or filling out paperwork for an insurance claim.

"A lot of them need help and have no idea any help is available," said Ruth Dockins, director of the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging.

"We're an advocate for senior citizens," she said.

As an advocate, the agency offers information about programs designed to help the elderly remain independent. These include activities at area senior centers, medical escorts, volunteer training and transportation.

"We run the gamut of anything you could ask for from hot water heaters to in-home service," Dockins said.

FINDING HELP

There are groups and agencies that offer support or assistance to the elderly population. Below are a listing of some groups in Southeast Missouri:

Meals on Wheels

-- Provides hot meals delivered to the home weekdays. Cost is $2. Call 651-5800 for information.

Eldercare/Senior Alive

-- The program offers social education, exercise and a noon meal for anyone age 60 and older. The program is held weekdays at the Hoover Center, 805 N. Sprigg. Transportation is available. For more information, call the center at 290-5944.

The APPLE Project

-- The project provides free paperwork service to senior citizens age 60 and older in a five county area of Southeast Missouri. The offices are at 334 N. Frederick in Cape Girardeau. Call 651-5467 for more information.

Cape County Transit

-- Provides transportation to people age 60 and older. Fees vary. Call 243-1835 for information.

Division of Aging

Toll free hotline for elder abuse reports (800) 392-0210. Agency also handles some in-home services and referrals. Call 290-5781 for information.

East Missouri Action Agency

-- Provides rental assistance for low income families and senior citizens. Call 334-5582 for information.

Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging

-- Serves 18 county region of Southeast Missouri, offering information and referrals to senior citizens. Call 335-3331 or (800) 392-8771 for more information.